Westinghouse and Hyundai E&C Partner for Dutch Nuclear Plant Design Studies

Westinghouse has contracted Hyundai E&C to conduct Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1) studies for new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. This collaboration follows earlier contract awards to EDF and Westinghouse by the Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) for design studies expected to last 12-18 months. The FEED 1 studies will proceed in two phases, with the initial phase (FEED 1a) being independent of the final plant location, allowing preparatory work to advance while site selection is finalized. The second phase (FEED 1b) will commence once a draft Preferred Site Decision is made by the Dutch Cabinet, focusing specifically on the chosen site.

Hyundai E&C's scope of work includes technical reviews of candidate sites, master plan development, and the creation of project execution strategies. The company will also review local laws, licensing requirements, technical standards, and project schedules in cooperation with Westinghouse. A key objective is to establish countermeasures for major risks and develop localization strategies to support project execution. Both companies aim to leverage their technological capabilities and business expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the new nuclear project in the Netherlands and strengthen their partnership for subsequent project phases.

These FEED 1 studies build upon previous feasibility studies commissioned by the Dutch government. EDF, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Westinghouse were contracted by the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth to assess the construction of their respective reactor designs—the EPR, APR-1400, and AP1000—in the Netherlands. These earlier studies evaluated compliance with Dutch legislation, suitability for the Borssele location, and provided detailed cost and timeline estimates, alongside environmental impact assessments. Amentum was selected to review and advise on these feasibility studies. The Dutch nuclear regulator, the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, previously indicated that the designs, excluding KHNP's which withdrew, met necessary safety requirements. The current design studies will provide a more detailed assessment against Dutch legislative and regulatory requirements.

The Netherlands currently operates one nuclear power reactor at Borssele, a 482 MWe pressurized water reactor connected to the grid in 1973, contributing approximately 3% of the country's electricity. In December 2021, the Dutch government integrated nuclear power into its climate and energy policy, aiming to extend the operational life of the Borssele plant and construct new reactors. Preliminary plans project two new reactors, each with a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe, to be completed around 2035, providing 9-13% of the country's electricity. Borssele was identified as the most suitable location in December 2022, with Tweede Maasvlakte near Rotterdam, Terneuzen in Zeeland, and Eemshaven in Groningen also under consideration. A location selection is anticipated next month. NEO NL, established in February, plays a central role in the preparation, construction, and operation of these new nuclear power plants.

NTPC Identifies Three Nuclear Plant Sites, Targets 30 GW Capacity by 2047

NTPC has identified three locations for new nuclear power plants, one each in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. The company has submitted detailed feasibility reports for these sites to the Atomic Energy Commission for approval. Each of these potential sites could host 2-4 GW of nuclear capacity.

The public sector company aims to add 30 GW of nuclear capacity across 14 states by 2047. NTPC is exploring technology collaborations with global players, including Holtec International and Westinghouse of the US, Rosatom of Russia, and EDF of France, for pressurized water reactor projects. Technology transfer and localization are key factors in selecting the technology, with plans for a separate joint venture with a global partner for technology and design engineering. Fuel availability is also a consideration, with sourcing falling under the Centre's domain.

NTPC has established NTPC Parmanu Urja Nigam Ltd as a wholly owned nuclear subsidiary. Its first nuclear project, comprising four 700-MW units in Rajasthan’s Mahi Banswara, is being developed through Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd, a joint venture with Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

ITER Project Receives Final Major Component for Core Machine Assembly

The ITER Organization has announced the delivery of the ninth and final vacuum vessel segment, designated as vacuum vessel sector #2, to its facility in Cadarache, southern France. This shipment signifies a key milestone for the international fusion project, as all major components required for the construction of the core machine are now on-site.

The core machine components now present at the Cadarache site include the complete vacuum vessel, superconducting magnets, and the cryostat. The arrival of these critical parts enables the project to proceed with the assembly phase of the fusion device.